Cooling duct

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and vehicles that control the temperature of a device included in the vehicle are presented herein. The temperature of the device is controlled by ventilating the device with drivetrain air, such as transmission cooling air. In some embodiments, the device is at a greater temperature than the drivetrain air, which cools the device. In other embodiments, the device is at a lesser temperature than the drivetrain air, which heats the device. The drivetrain air is provided to the device through an exhaust duct coupled to the vehicle&#39;s transmission. The drivetrain exhaust air is preferably circulated by the transmission. The transmission may be a continuously variable transmission. The device may be an oxygen sensor that is coupled to an engine exhaust pipe. The oxygen sensor is thermally coupled to the engine exhaust and the engine exhaust pipe, which are at greater temperatures than the transmission exhaust air.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure relates generally to controlling the temperature ofvehicle components and specifically to controlling the temperature ofvehicle components by ventilating the components with clutch caseexhaust air.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern vehicles include numerous temperature sensitive devices, such assensors, switches, microcontrollers, memory devices, communicationtransceivers, and the like. These devices often include a temperaturespecification. If operated or exposed to temperatures outside of thetemperature specification, the device may not operate or performreliably. In some cases, the device may even be subject to a shortenedlifespan.

Modern vehicles also include “hot spots” due to heat sources, such asinternal combustion engines and engine exhaust systems. Some of theabove devices may be required to be positioned close enough to a “hotspot” to be heated close to or beyond the upper bound of the device'stemperature specification.

For example, oxygen sensors are employed in many vehicles to monitor theoxygen content of the vehicle's engine exhaust. In order to monitor thisoxygen content, the oxygen sensor must sample and be exposed to thevehicle's exhaust. The sensor casing may be mounted directly to theexhaust pipe. The engine exhaust and pipe may be at a greatertemperature than the upper bound of the oxygen sensor's temperaturespecification.

Furthermore, some vehicles are operated in cold climates where theambient air temperature is less than the lower bound of the temperaturespecification of various devices. It is for these and other concernsthat the following disclosure is offered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed towards systems, vehicles, andmethods for controlling the temperature of temperature sensitive devicesor components employed in vehicles. The temperature sensitive device maybe either heated or cooled by providing ventilation, where the source ofthe ventilating air or gas is the vehicle's drivetrain.

A system for cooling a device included in a vehicle includes adrivetrain duct that includes a first aperture and a second aperture.The first aperture is coupled to a drivetrain aperture included in adrivetrain of the vehicle. The system may also include a coupler that isconfigured and arranged to couple the first aperture to a drivetrainaperture included in a drivetrain of a vehicle such that the secondaperture is directed at the device. In at least one embodiment, thesecond aperture is positioned at a predetermined distance from thedevice. The device is thermally coupled to a heat source included in thevehicle.

When the drivetrain is engaged, the heat source is at a firsttemperature and the drivetrain outputs drivetrain exhaust gas throughthe drivetrain aperture. The drivetrain exhaust gas is at a secondtemperature and at a drivetrain pressure. In some embodiments, thedevice is under an ambient pressure. The first temperature may begreater than the second temperature. In some embodiments, the drivetrainpressure is greater than the ambient pressure.

In some embodiments, the device is an oxygen sensor. The drivetrainaperture may be a transmission aperture. The transmission may be acontinuously variable transmission. The heat source includes powersource exhaust gas generated by the vehicle's power source. In at leastone embodiment, the heat source includes a power source exhaust ductcoupled to the vehicle's power source. In a preferred embodiment, thedrivetrain includes a plurality of rotating fins and/or blades. Theplurality of rotating fins and/or blades circulates at least a portionof the drivetrain exhaust through the drivetrain aperture.

The drivetrain duct is configured and arranged to be coupled to thevehicle's frame when the first aperture is coupled to the drivetrainaperture. The device may be a sensor, a switch, or a voltage regulator.

The predetermined distance may be based on a difference between thefirst temperature of the heat source and the second temperature of thedrivetrain exhaust gas when the drivetrain is engaged. Furthermore, thepredetermined distance may be based on a difference between the ambientpressure that the device is under and the drivetrain pressure of thedrivetrain exhaust gas when the drivetrain is engaged.

When the drivetrain is engaged, the first temperature of the heat sourceis between 800° C. and 900° C. This may be the exhaust gas temperatureinside a power source exhaust pipe or duct. The second temperature ofthe drivetrain exhaust gas is between 200° C. and 300° C. A backpressuregenerated by the drivetrain duct when the drivetrain is engaged issubstantially less than a difference between the ambient pressure thatthe device is under and the drivetrain pressure of the drivetrainexhaust gas.

A cross section of the drivetrain duct may be based on at least adifference between the ambient pressure that the device is under and thedrivetrain pressure of the drivetrain exhaust gas when the drivetrain isengaged. In at least one embodiment, the system further includes amanifold configured and arranged to position a third aperture of thedrivetrain duct at a second predetermined distance from another devicewhen the first aperture is coupled to the drivetrain aperture.

A vehicle consistent with the various embodiments includes a frame, aplurality of ground engaging members coupled to the frame, and a powersource configured and arranged to convert stored energy into mechanicalwork.

The vehicle also includes a drivetrain configured and arranged totransmit the mechanical work provided by the power source to at leastone of the plurality of ground engaging members. The drivetrain includesa first exhaust source that when the drivetrain is engaged produces afirst exhaust gas at a first temperature. The first exhaust gas may beat a first pressure.

The vehicle also includes a heat source such that when the vehicle isoperated, the heat source is at a second temperature that is greaterthan the first temperature. Further, the vehicle includes a temperaturesensitive device that is thermally coupled to the heat source and underan ambient pressure that is less than the first pressure. In at leastone embodiment, the vehicle includes a conduit configured and arrangedto provide at least a portion of the first exhaust gas to the device.

A system for controlling the temperature of a device included in avehicle includes a drivetrain duct that includes a first aperture and asecond aperture. The first aperture is coupled to a drivetrain apertureincluded in a drivetrain of the vehicle. The system may also include acoupler that is configured and arranged to couple the first aperture tothe drivetrain aperture included in the drivetrain of the vehicle suchthat the second aperture is positioned at a predetermined distance fromthe device.

When the drivetrain is engaged, the device is at a first temperature.The device may be at a first pressure. The drivetrain outputs drivetrainexhaust gas through the drivetrain aperture. The drivetrain exhaust gasis at a second temperature. The drivetrain exhaust may be at a secondpressure. The first temperature is different from the secondtemperature. The second pressure may be greater than the first pressure.In at least one embodiment, the first temperature is less than thesecond temperature. In another embodiment, the first temperature isgreater than the second temperature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred and alternative examples of the present invention aredescribed in detail below with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1A illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a vehicle thatis consistent with the various embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a vehicle thatis consistent with the various embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 1C illustrates an oxygen sensor device configured and arranged toprovide data for real time monitoring of the oxygen content in the powersource exhaust gas of a vehicle that is consistent with the variousembodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a device, such as the oxygen sensor of FIG. 1C,coupled to a power source exhaust duct of a vehicle, such as the vehicleof FIG. 1A or the alternative vehicle of FIG. 1B, that is consistentwith various embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 3A illustrates a portion of a powertrain that is included in avehicle that is consistent with the various embodiments disclosedherein.

FIG. 3B illustrates another embodiment of a Continuously VariableTransmission (CVT) within a CVT cover that has been partially cut-awayto reveal various CVT components.

FIG. 3C illustrates an interior view of a portion of the CVT coveraccording to various embodiments disclosed herein.

FIGS. 3D-3F illustrates the flow of cooling air through variousembodiments of CVTs that are consistent with the various embodimentsdisclosed herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric side view of a powertrain exhaust ductthat is coupled to the powertrain of a vehicle and employed to cool adevice included with the vehicle in a cooling method that is consistentwith the various embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates an orthographic top view of a powertrain exhaust ductthat is coupled to the powertrain of a vehicle and employed to cool adevice included with the vehicle in a cooling method that is consistentwith the various embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates another view of a powertrain exhaust duct that iscoupled to the powertrain of a vehicle and employed to cool a deviceincluded with the vehicle in a cooling method that is consistent withthe various embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates temperature vs. time series data for the grommetportion of an oxygen sensor, such as the oxygen sensor of FIG. 1C, thatis thermally coupled to an exhaust system of a vehicle, such as thevehicle of FIG. 1A or the alternative vehicle of FIG. 1B. The oxygensensor was cooled with a method consistent with the various embodimentsdisclosed herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates temperature vs. time series data for the hex portionof an oxygen sensor, such as the oxygen sensor of FIG. 1C, that isthermally coupled to an exhaust system of a vehicle, such as the vehicleof FIG. 1A or the alternative vehicle of FIG. 1B. The oxygen sensor wascooled with a method consistent with the various embodiments disclosedherein.

FIG. 9 illustrates temperature vs. time data for the sensingelement/heater portion of an oxygen sensor, such as the oxygen sensor ofFIG. 1C, that is thermally coupled to an exhaust system of a vehicle,such as the vehicle of FIG. 1A or the alternative vehicle of FIG. 1B.The oxygen sensor was cooled with a method consistent with the variousembodiments disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

To facilitate the understanding of this invention, a number of terms aredefined below. Terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understoodby a person of ordinary skill in the areas relevant to the presentinvention. Terms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” are not intended to referto only a singular entity, but include the general class of which aspecific example may be used for illustration. The terminology herein isused to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but their usagedoes not delimit the invention, except as outlined in the claims.

FIG. 1A illustrates an isometric view of a vehicle 10 that is consistentwith embodiments disclosed herein. In some embodiments, vehicle 10 is anoff-road sport or utility vehicle. Vehicle 10 includes frame 16. Vehicle10 includes a plurality of ground-engaging members 2 coupled to andsupported by frame 16. In some embodiments, ground-engaging members 2are wheels.

Vehicle 10 may include an operator's seat 6. In at least one embodiment,vehicle 10 includes a passenger seat 8. Vehicle 10 may include one ormore control mechanisms, such as a steering mechanism 12, to controlvehicle 10. In various embodiments, vehicle 10 includes a utility bed22. Vehicle 10 includes roll-cage 14 to protect at least the operator inthe event of a vehicle rollover. Roll-cage 14 may be coupled to frame 16by employing at least one tube-coupler.

In some embodiments, vehicle 10 includes a powertrain that includes apower source and a drivetrain. A power source may include an engine,such as an internal combustion engine, a motor, such as an electricmotor, a hybrid engine-motor, or any other device that is configured andarranged to convert stored energy into mechanical work, such astranslation or rotation. In a preferred embodiment, the stored energy isstored in the chemical bonds of hydrocarbon molecules. The power sourceoutputs the mechanical work, or power, and makes it available to thedrivetrain. The drivetrain is configured and arranged to transmit thepower to at least one of the ground engaging members 2. In at least oneembodiment, the powertrain includes transmission 4. In some embodiments,transmission 4 is a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Vehicle 10 includes one or more air intakes 18. Air intake 18 providesambient air to airbox 20 and transmission 4. Furthermore, to insureproper operation of the power source, airbox 20 provides a portion ofthe ambient air from air intake 18 to the power source. In someembodiments, inefficiencies, such as internal friction, cause thetransmission 4 to operate at a temperature greater than the ambienttemperature. Ambient air provided to transmission 4 by air intake 18 atleast partially cools transmission 4 through advection. Because thisthermodynamic exchange occurs in the fixed volume of the transmissionhousing, the heated gas is under a pressure that is greater than theambient pressure.

As discussed in detail in the context of FIGS. 3A-3F, the operation oftransmission 4 induces the venting, circulation, or flow, of thissomewhat heated drivetrain cooling air, or simply drivetrain exhaust,through a drivetrain exhaust port. In at least one embodiment, thedrivetrain exhaust is transmission exhaust. The drivetrain exhaust portmay be a transmission port, such as a CVT air exhaust port.

In some embodiments, the conversion of stored energy into mechanicalwork results in a power source exhaust gas, such as exhaust gas from aninternal combustion engine. Due to inefficiencies in the power source'senergy conversion process, the power source exhaust gas, or simply theexhaust, may be at a greater temperature and/or pressure than theambient air. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature of the powersource exhaust is greater than the temperature of the drivetrainexhaust. The pressure of the power source exhaust may be greater thanthe pressure of the drivetrain exhaust. In a preferred embodiment, thepower source exhaust is engine exhaust.

As with the transmission exhaust, the pressure differential between thepower source exhaust and the ambient air induces the flow of the heatedpower source exhaust through a power source exhaust port. In a preferredembodiment, the power source exhaust port is coupled to a power sourceexhaust duct, such as an exhaust pipe. In at least one embodiment, apower source exhaust duct delivers at least a portion of the powersource exhaust to at least one of a muffler or catalytic convertor priorto the power source exhaust being vented to the external atmosphere.

FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a vehicle 30that is consistent with the various embodiments disclosed herein. Somefeatures of vehicle 30 may be somewhat or substantially similar,analogous to, or a counterpart of features included in vehicle 10 ofFIG. 1A. Other features of vehicle 30 may be somewhat or substantiallydissimilar, different, alternative to, or not included in vehicle 10.Likewise, vehicle 10 may include features that are alternative to orhave no analog and/or counterpart in vehicle 30. Both vehicle 10 of FIG.1A and vehicle 30 of FIG. 1B are consistent with embodiments disclosedherein. Vehicle 10 and vehicle 30 are exemplary vehicles only and theembodiments disclosed herein are not constrained by these exemplaryvehicles.

Vehicle 30 includes a frame 52. Vehicle 30 includes a plurality ofwheels 42 coupled to and supported by frame 52. Vehicle 30 includes atleast one seating structure 28. Vehicle 30 includes a steering wheel 32to control vehicle 30. Vehicle 30 includes roll-cage 34 to protect oneor more occupants of vehicle 30. Vehicle 30 includes a hood 58 and autility bed 44. In at least one embodiment, hood 58 conceals a storagespace.

Vehicle 30 includes a power source, such as internal combustion engine50. Engine 50 exhaust gas may pass through muffler 31 prior to beingemitted into the atmosphere. Engine 50 is coupled to a transmission 34.A rear drive shaft 56 may couple the rear wheels 42 to transmission 34.A front drive shaft 54 may couple the front wheels 42 to transmission34. A shift lever 58 is coupled to transmission 34.

FIG. 1C illustrates an oxygen sensor device 100 configured and arrangedto provide data for real time monitoring of the oxygen content in thepower source exhaust gas of a vehicle, such as vehicle 10 of FIG. 1A oralternative vehicle 30 of FIG. 1B, that is consistent with the variousembodiments disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, this data isemployed to provide real time monitoring of an air-to-fuel ratio in apower source of the vehicle.

Oxygen sensor 100 includes a grommet portion 102, a hex portion 104, anda sensing element/heater portion 106. The hex portion 104 may include afastener, such as a threaded hex-nut, to couple oxygen sensor 100 to thevehicle. The sensing element/heater portion 106 is exposed to andsamples the vehicle's power source exhaust. Oxygen sensor 100 includescabling 108. Cabling 108 is coupled to oxygen sensor 100 proximate thegrommet portion 102. Cabling 108 provides electrical power to the oxygensensor 100 and is enabled as an input/output (I/O) bus to enablecommunication with other devices, including outputting the real timeoxygen data.

In some embodiments, to ensure the fidelity of the oxygen data and theexpected lifetime of oxygen sensor 100, oxygen sensor 100 must beoperated within a finite temperature range. In a preferred embodiment,the finite temperature range for sensing element portion 106 is between600° C. and 950° C. The hex portion 104 must be operated at atemperature less than or equal to 650° C. Likewise, the grommet portion102 must be operated at a temperature less than 260° C. If oxygen sensor100 is operated continuously, these maximum values may be lower.

FIG. 2 illustrates a device, such as the oxygen sensor 100 of FIG. 1C,coupled to a power source exhaust duct of a vehicle, such as the vehicle10 of FIG. 1A or alternative vehicle 30 of FIG. 1B, that is consistentwith various embodiments disclosed herein.

Exhaust from the power source enters power source exhaust duct 210through power source exhaust duct input aperture 212. The heated powersource exhaust exits power source exhaust duct 210 through power sourceexhaust duct output aperture 214.

Oxygen sensor 200 is coupled to power source exhaust duct 210. In orderto sample the oxygen content of the power source exhaust, sensingelement (not shown) of oxygen sensor 200 is exposed to power sourceexhaust through a sensor aperture in power source exhaust duct 210. In apreferred embodiment, the sensing element protrudes into and issubstantially transverse to at least a portion of the lateral crosssection of power source exhaust duct 210. Oxygen sensor 200 may besecurely coupled to the power source exhaust duct 210 at the hex portion204 by a fastener. The fastener may be a hex-nut that threadably engageswith corresponding threads included on the sensor aperture. Oxygensensor 200 includes cabling 208 that is coupled to oxygen sensor 200 atthe grommet portion 202.

In at least some embodiments, oxygen sensor 200 is thermally coupled tothe heated power source exhaust and/or the power source exhaust duct210. Because the sensing element is directly exposed to the power sourceexhaust, the sensing element is in thermal contact with the power sourceexhaust gas. Additionally, hex portion 204 may be in direct physicalcontact with portions of the power source exhaust duct 210, such as thethreaded sensor aperture. Accordingly, hex portion 204 is thermallycoupled to the power source exhaust and/or power source exhaust duct210.

Generally, power source exhaust duct 210 is not substantially thermallyinsulating. Accordingly, due to the close proximity, grommet portion 202is also thermally coupled to the power source exhaust and/or powersource exhaust duct 210. Accordingly, during and after operation of thepower source, the various portions of oxygen sensor 200 may be at agreater temperature than the ambient air. This increased temperature mayinterfere with the operability and/or lifetime of oxygen sensor 200.

FIG. 3A illustrates a portion of an embodiment of a powertrain that isincluded in a vehicle that that consistent with the various embodimentsdisclosed herein. A vehicle, such as vehicle 10 of FIG. 1A may includeat least some of the powertrain components illustrated in FIG. 3A.Powertrain 300 includes a power source 330. Power source 330 may be anengine, motor, hybrid engine-motor device, or other such device thatconverts stored energy into mechanical work. In a preferred embodiment,power source 330 is an internal combustion engine.

Power source 330 includes one or more power source exhaust ports 334.Power source exhaust gas, generated in the power source's energyconversion process, is expelled through one or more power source exhaustports 334. The power source exhaust may be provided to a power sourceexhaust duct, such as power source exhaust duct 210 of FIG. 2 (not shownin FIG. 3A). In some embodiments, at least one of the power sourceexhaust or the power source exhaust duct are at a greater temperaturethan the ambient air during normal vehicle operation.

Powertrain 300 includes a drivetrain. In some embodiments, thedrivetrain includes at least a transmission and driveshaft assembly 340.The transmission may be an automatic, semi-automatic, or a manualtransmission. In a preferred embodiment, the transmission includes acontinuously variable transmission (CVT). CVT 321 is one exemplaryembodiment of a continuously variable transmission. The driveshaftassembly 340 includes at least one drive-member, such as a driveshaft,drive-chain, or a drive-belt. The driveshaft assembly 340 may include adifferential. In at least one embodiment, the drivetrain includes atransaxle assembly.

CVT 321 is coupled to the power source 330 by crankshaft 332. CVT 321includes drive clutch 323 and driven clutch 325. Drive clutch 323 anddriven clutch 325 are coupled by transmission belt 327. Power from powersource 330 is transmitted to drive clutch 323 via crankshaft 332. Insome embodiments, drive clutch 323 rotates at a first frequency based onthe rotational frequency of the power source 330. At least a portion ofthis rotational energy is transmitted to driven clutch 325 viatransmission belt 327. The driven clutch 325 rotates at a secondfrequency.

The ratio of the first frequency to the second frequency is dependentupon the ratio of the instantaneous running radius of the drive clutch323 to the radius of the driven clutch 325. The driven clutch 325transfers at least a portion of the rotational energy to the driveshaftassembly 340 via input shaft 328. The driveshaft assembly 340 transfersat least a portion of this rotational energy to at least one of thevehicle's ground engaging members, such as ground engaging members 2 ofFIG. 1A.

FIG. 3B illustrates another embodiment of a continuously variabletransmission: CVT 320. Some features of CVT 320 may be somewhat orsubstantially similar, analogous, or a counterpart of features includedin CVT 321 of FIG. 3A. Other features of CVT 320 may be somewhat orsubstantially dissimilar, different, alternative to, or not included inCVT 320. Likewise, CVT 321 may include features that are alternative toor have no analog and/or counterpart in CVT 320. Both CVT 320 and CVT321 are consistent with embodiments disclosed herein. CVT 320 and CVT321 are exemplary transmissions only and the embodiments disclosedherein are not constrained by these exemplary transmissions.

CVT 320 is housed within CVT cover 342 that has been partially cut-awayto reveal various CVT components. The CVT 320 has a driven clutch 324, adrive clutch 322, and a transmission belt 326 between the driven clutch324 and the drive clutch 322. The drive clutch 322 is coupled to apower-source crankshaft, such as power-source crankshaft 332 of FIG. 3A.Drive clutch 322 receives power from a power source, such as powersource 330 of FIG. 3A. Drive clutch 322 transmits this power through thetransmission belt 326 to the driven clutch 324, and eventually from thedriven clutch 324 to the vehicle's ground engaging members.

The drive clutch 322 can have two conical sheaves 336 holding thetransmission belt 326 between them. Moving the sheaves 336 toward andaway from one another changes the effective gear ratio of the drive anddriven clutch system. As the sheaves 336 of the drive clutch 322 movefarther apart the belt drops to a lower location on the sheaves 336 andto a higher location on the sheaves of the driven clutch 324.Conversely, as the drive sheaves 336 move closer together, the drivensheaves mover farther apart. Thus, the gear ratios from input to outputsmoothly change, thereby achieving a continuously variable transmission.Although, all the movement of the belt sides along the sides of thesheaves as the clutches are turning creates heat. Aspects of the presentinvention can also be used with other transmissions and with otherengine casing components.

The backside (first portion 338) of CVT cover 342 surrounds the side ofthe CVT 320 adjacent the power source and transmission. CVT cover 342protects the moving parts of CVT 320. CVT cover 342 also serves as achannel through which air moves to cool various CVT components, such asdrive sheaves 336, driven clutch 324, and transmission belt 326. Thecover includes a transmission air inlet 316 near the drive clutch 322and a transmission air outlet 318 near the driven clutch 324. Thepositions of the transmission air inlet 316 and transmission outlet 318can vary slightly, but preferably the transmission air inlet 316 andtransmission air outlet 318 are on substantially opposing sides of CVTcover 342 to permit the air to flow over the components of the CVT 320and out the other side.

CVT cover 342 is formed of two portions: a first portion 338, and asecond portion 344. The two portions 338, 344 are split along a lineparallel with transmission belt 326. The two portions are held togetherby bolts through bosses 346 around the periphery of CVT cover 342. Thebosses are preferably on the external portion of the CVT cover 342 toallow smoother airflow in the interior of CVT cover 342 for bettercooling.

The first portion 338 can be on the power source side and the secondportion 344 can be on the wheel side, or vice versa. In the illustratedembodiment of FIG. 3B, the first portion 338, in which the transmissionair inlet 316 and transmission air outlet 318 are formed, are both onthe engine side of CVT 320. Depending on the configuration of CVT 320and the power source, the heat builds up more significantly on the powersource side of CVT 320. However, in a different configuration, the heatmay be more concentrated elsewhere, in which cover the transmission airinlet 316 and transmission air outlet 318 can be positioned accordingly.

As noted above, inefficiencies create heat, such as the movement oftransmission belt 326 along the drive clutch 322 and driven clutch 324.In order to cool the transmission components, such as transmission belt326, driven clutch 324, and drive clutch 322, ambient air flows from avehicle air intake, such as air intake 18 of FIG. 1A, and into CVT cover342 through transmission air inlet 316. As the ambient air flows throughthe volume surrounding CVT 320, the various CVT components are cooled.

Heat exchanged between this ambient air and CVT 320 produces heateddrivetrain exhaust, such as heated transmission exhaust. Thetransmission exhaust is at a greater temperature and pressure than theambient air. The drivetrain exhaust is expelled from the CVT cover 342through transmission air outlet 318. In at least one embodiment,transmission air outlet 318 is a drivetrain exhaust port. In at leastone embodiment, the drivetrain exhaust is expelled through thedrivetrain exhaust port at least partially due to the increased pressureof the heated air within the drivetrain housing. As shown in FIG. 3B,the fins on the drive clutch and the driven clutch also function as apump to expel the drivetrain exhaust.

FIG. 3C illustrates an interior view of a portion of CVT cover 342according to various embodiments disclosed herein. CVT cover 342includes first portion 338. First portion 338 of CVT cover 342 includesvarious features and surfaces that enhance the airflow of coolingambient air received by the transmission air inlet 318 and thedrivetrain exhaust expelled through transmission air outlet 318 ordrivetrain exhaust port. In some embodiments, a second portion (notshown in FIG. 3C) may also include similar airflow-enhancing featuresand/or surfaces. As the fins or blades included on the drive and drivenclutches pump air in through air inlet 316 and out air outlet 318, thesefeatures and/or surfaces guide or channel the flow of air that cools thetransmission components.

FIGS. 3D-3F illustrates the flow of cooling air through variousembodiments of CVTs that are consistent with the various embodimentsdisclosed herein. Note that the flow of air through the CVT casing isdependent upon various features included in the CVT cover 342.

In preferred embodiments, as the drivetrain exhaust exits CVT cover 342through transmission air outlet 318, the power source exhaust is at asubstantially greater temperature than the drivetrain exhaust. Thus,relative to the power source exhaust, the drivetrain exhaust is coolingexhaust or air. In at least one embodiment, the power source exhaust isapproximately 900° C. under normal vehicle operating conditions. Thepowertrain exhaust may be between 200° C. and 300° C. under normalvehicle operating conditions

In some embodiments, a device such as a sensor or a switch is thermallycoupled to the power source exhaust, such as oxygen sensor 200 in FIG.2. The device may malfunction, operate unreliably, experience adecreased lifetime, catastrophically fail, or otherwise cease tofunction once heated beyond a critical temperature. Due to thesubstantial temperature of the power source exhaust, the device may beheated close to or beyond this critical temperature during normalvehicle operating conditions. In some embodiments, the temperaturedifferential between the power source exhaust and the drivetrainexhaust, as well as the pressure differential between the drivetrainexhaust and the ambient air is employed to cool the device to atemperature within an acceptable temperature window.

FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric side view of a drivetrain exhaust ductthat is coupled to the drivetrain of a vehicle. The cooler drivetrainexhaust is employed to cool a device included with the vehicle in acooling method that is consistent with the various embodiments disclosedherein. The drivetrain may be included in a vehicle, such as vehicle 10of FIG. 1A. The drivetrain may include various components, including butnot limited to a transmission, such as CVT 321 of FIG. 3A or CVT 320 ofFIG. 3B.

In a preferred embodiment, device 400 is an oxygen sensor, such asoxygen sensor 100 of FIG. 1C. Although other embodiments are not soconstrained, and device 400 may include any other sensor, switch,integrated circuit (IC), semiconductor component, or any other deviceincluded in a vehicle. Device 400 may be a component. Device 400 iscoupled to power source exhaust duct 410, in a similar manner to thatdescribed in the discussion of FIG. 2 and in regards to coupling oxygensensor 200 to power source exhaust duct 210. As also discussed inregards to FIG. 2, device 400 is thermally coupled to the power sourceexhaust and or power source exhaust duct 410. Device 400 may include asensing element portion (not shown) that is exposed to the power sourceexhaust gas. Device 400 may include a hex portion 404, a grommet portion402, and cabling 408.

In some embodiments, a power source exhaust manifold 416 is employed tocouple power source exhaust duct 410 to the vehicle's power source (notshown). Power source exhaust duct 410 may be coupled to power sourceexhaust manifold 416 at the power source exhaust duct input aperture412. The vehicle's power source is similarly situated as power source330 of FIG. 3A. In various embodiments, other auxiliary power sourceexhaust ducts 434 are intermediate the power source exhaust manifold 416and power source exhaust ports, such as exhaust ports 334 of FIG. 3A. Inat least one embodiment, power source exhaust enters the power sourceexhaust duct 410 through power source exhaust duct input aperture 412.

Power source exhaust duct 410 may be coupled to vehicle muffler 460 atpower source exhaust duct output aperture 414. Power source exhaust gasflows from power source exhaust duct 410 to muffler 460 via power sourceexhaust output aperture 414. In some embodiments, at least a portion ofthe power source exhaust gas is provided to a catalytic converter by thepower source exhaust duct 410. Because of the substantial temperature ofthe power source exhaust gas, the power source exhaust duct 410 may beat a temperature significantly greater than that of the ambient airduring or after normal operation of the power source.

In some embodiments, a drivetrain exhaust duct 450 is employed toprovide drivetrain exhaust gas to a volume proximate the device 400.Drivetrain exhaust duct 450 may be an exhaust pipe. Drivetrain exhaustduct 450 may be a conduit. Drivetrain exhaust duct 450 may beconstructed from metal, plastic, or any material that can withstand theelevated temperatures of drivetrain exhaust and be in close proximity topower source exhaust duct 410.

In some embodiments, drivetrain exhaust gas may be transmission exhaustgas. Drivetrain exhaust duct 450 may be coupled to a drivetraincomponent. In a preferred embodiment, drivetrain exhaust duct 450 iscoupled to a transmission 420 included in the vehicle's drivetrain. Inat least one embodiment, drivetrain exhaust duct 450 is coupled, eitherdirectly or indirectly, to a transmission air outlet, such astransmission air outlet 318 of FIGS. 3B and 3C. The transmission may bean automatic transmission, a semi-automatic transmission, or a manualtransmission. Transmission 420 may be a CVT, such as CVT 321 of FIG. 3Aor CVT 320 of FIG. 3B. In at least one embodiment, drivetrain exhaustduct 450 is coupled to a torque converter.

Transmission 420 is housed in a transmission housing that includestransmission cover 442. A drivetrain exhaust manifold 444 may beemployed to couple drivetrain exhaust duct 450 to a drivetrain exhaustport included in transmission 420. Drivetrain exhaust manifold 444 maybe a coupler. For instance, drivetrain exhaust manifold may bepositioned between a transmission air outlet and the drivetrain exhaustduct 450. Drivetrain exhaust manifold 444 may be coupled to transmission420 by employing a fastener, such as a hose-clamp.

In some embodiments, drivetrain exhaust duct 450 may include aframe-mounting bracket 454. Frame mount bracket 454 may be employed tosecure and/or stabilize drivetrain exhaust duct 450 to the vehicle'sframe, such as frame 16 of FIG. 1A. Drivetrain exhaust duct 450 may becoupled to the vehicle frame by employing any suitable fastener, such asbolts or the like. In at least one embodiment, a cable tie is employedto couple the drivetrain exhaust duct 450 to the frame, through anaperture in frame mounting bracket 454. A cable tie may be a Zip-Tie®.

Drivetrain exhaust gas (i.e., cooling air) is delivered to a volume thatis proximate to device 400 through drivetrain exhaust duct outputaperture 452. In preferred embodiments, the temperature of thetransmission exhaust gas is less than the temperature of the powersource exhaust gas and the temperature of power source exhaust duct 410.Because device 400 is thermally coupled to the power source exhaust gasand power source exhaust duct 410, at least portions of device 400 areat temperatures that exceed the temperature of drivetrain exhaust gas.The drivetrain exhaust gas that is delivered to the volume that isproximate to device 400 provides ventilation and cools device 400through advection.

In some embodiments, the drivetrain exhaust gas includes air that wasprovided to transmission 420 through a vehicle air intake, such as airintake 18 of FIG. 1. This air is somewhat heated within the transmissionhousing, but not nearly to the same degree as the power source exhaustgas. As described in the context of FIGS. 3B-3F, air is circulatedthrough the transmission housing with the assistance of fins or bladesincluded on various rotating components of the transmission, such asdrive and/or driven clutches. In preferred embodiments, structuresand/or surfaces within the transmission housing provide additionalassistance in the airflow through and out of the transmission casing. Asthe air flows across the transmission components, the air cools thecomponents. This heat exchange heats the air. The pumping action of thefins and/or blades of the rotating transmission components, along withstructures and/or surfaces internal to the transmission housing, pumpsthe drivetrain exhaust out of a transmission air outlet and through thedrivetrain exhaust duct 450. In at least one embodiment, additionalmechanical means, such as a fan or a pump, are employed to provideadditional assist in the flow or circulation of drivetrain exhaust tothe device 400

Drivetrain exhaust within the transmission housing is at a firsttemperature and a first pressure. In some embodiments, the firsttemperature may be between 200° C. and 300° C. The portion of thedrivetrain exhaust gas that is provided to the volume that is proximateto device 400 via drivetrain exhaust duct 450 is at another temperatureand another pressure. The other pressure is less than the firstpressure. In some embodiments, depending on the ambient temperature andthe thermal insulating properties of drivetrain exhaust duct 450, theother temperature is less than the first temperature due to cooling ofthe drivetrain exhaust during travel through drivetrain exhaust duct450.

The difference between the first pressure and the other pressure is thepressure drop across the drivetrain exhaust duct 450. This pressure dropmay provide additional pumping action to circulate the drivetrainexhaust during travel through drivetrain exhaust duct 450. In someembodiments, drivetrain exhaust duct 450 is configured and arranged tominimize, or at least decrease, this pressure drop. The drivetrainexhaust flow rate and the pressure drop across drivetrain exhaust duct450 depend upon various factors, including but not limited to thevarious rotational frequencies of the transmission components, thearrangement and configuration of any blades and/or fins included withany rotating transmission components, structures or surfaces internal tothe transmission housing, the first pressure, the first temperature, theambient air temperature, the pressure, and the inclusion of anyadditional mechanical means such as fans and/or air pumps.

The drivetrain exhaust flow rate and the pressure drop across drivetrainexhaust duct 450 also depend upon various physical characteristics ofthe drivetrain exhaust duct 450 and the drivetrain exhaust manifold 444.These features include but are not limited to the duct and/or manifold'slateral cross section, total path length that exhaust gas must travel,bends or other features that may induce backpressure, total verticaldistance that exhaust gas must travel, and other geometricalconsiderations. In certain embodiments, any of these features may bevaried to suit the cooling needs of device 400.

The capability to cool device 400 depends upon the flow rate ofdrivetrain exhaust gas from drivetrain exhaust duct output aperture 452,the temperature of the drivetrain exhaust at the drivetrain exhaust ductoutput aperture 452, the temperature of the various portions of device400, the temperature of the power source exhaust, the temperature of thepower source exhaust duct 410, the lateral cross section of thedrivetrain exhaust duct output aperture 452, distance between drivetrainexhaust output aperture 452 and the various portions of device 400, thespeed of the vehicle, the ambient air temperature, and other suchfactors.

In some embodiments the shape, geometry, and/or position of thedrivetrain exhaust duct 450 and/or drivetrain exhaust manifold 444 maybe based on the cooling requirements for device 400, and other factors.These other factors include, but are not limited to the temperaturedifferential between the power source exhaust and the drivetrainexhaust, the pressure differential between the drivetrain exhaust andthe ambient air, the power to be transmitted to the vehicle's groundengaging members, the expected operating conditions, such as engineload, terrain to be traversed, and climate, of the vehicle. In at leastone embodiment, drivetrain exhaust output aperture 452 is positionedcloser to device 400 for enhanced cooling capability.

In at least one embodiment, a duct-extender may be coupled to drivetrainoutput aperture 452 to decrease the distance between the location ofdrivetrain exhaust duct's 410 output and device 400. The lateral crosssection of the duct-extender may be varied to increase or decrease thelateral cross section of the drivetrain's output. In at least oneembodiment, the duct-extender may provide a fan-out or output manifoldstructure to deliver drivetrain exhaust to a plurality of locationsand/or volumes to cool other devices.

Although device 400 is coupled to the power source exhaust duct 410,other embodiments are not so constrained. Device 400 may be located atother vehicles locations and may be at a temperature greater than thatof the drivetrain exhaust. The shape, orientation, and location ofdrivetrain exhaust duct 450 may be varied to provide cooling drivetrainexhaust to other regions of the vehicle. In addition to an oxygensensor, device 400 may include device types, such as but not limited tovoltage regulators, gear selector switches, power distribution modules,engine control units, coolant temperature sensors, microcontrollers,processor devices, digital memory devices, field programmable gatearrays (FPGAs), accelerometers, communication transceivers, or any othercomponent that may, due to its proximity to heating sources on thevehicle, may reach temperatures greater than that of the drivetrainexhaust gas. In some embodiments, device 400 is heated at leastpartially because device 400 is itself a heat source. Such heat sourcedevice types may include, but are not limited to integrated circuitsthat generate electrical current and/or mechanical components thatgenerate friction. In at least one embodiment, drivetrain exhaust duct450 may be configured and arranged to provide drivetrain exhaust to aplurality of devices that are positioned at disparate locations via afan-out or manifold structure.

In alternative embodiments, some vehicles may be configured and arrangedto operate in cold climates, such as arctic regions or high altitudelocations. Some devices included in the vehicle may include temperaturespecifications with a lower temperature bound that is greater than theambient temperature of the expected climate of operation. In suchsituations, the transmission exhaust duct 450 may be employed to heatsuch devices by providing the warmer drivetrain exhaust gas to thedevice of vehicle region to be warmed.

FIG. 5 illustrates an orthographic top view of a powertrain exhaust ductthat is coupled to the powertrain of a vehicle and employed to cool adevice included with the vehicle in a cooling method that is consistentwith the various embodiments disclosed herein. The embodimentillustrated in FIG. 5 includes similar features to the embodimentsillustrated in FIG. 4.

Power source exhaust may flow from the vehicle's power source (notshown) to muffler 560, through auxiliary power source exhaust ducts 534,then through power source exhaust manifold 516, and into power sourceexhaust duct 510. Power source exhaust gas may enter power sourceexhaust duct 510 through power source exhaust duct input aperture 512and exit through power source exhaust duct output aperture 514.

Device 500 is thermally coupled to power source exhaust gas and/or powersource exhaust duct 510. Device 500 may include a sensing elementportion (not shown). Device 500 includes a hex portion 504, a grommetportion 502, and cabling 508.

Device 500 is cooled through advection by drivetrain exhaust airprovided to device 500 via a drivetrain exhaust duct 550. Drivetrainexhaust duct 550 is coupled to the vehicle's drivetrain throughdrivetrain exhaust manifold 544. The source of the drivetrain exhaustmay be a transmission, such as a CVT. The transmission exhaust gas isdelivered to a volume that is proximate to device 500 through drivetrainexhaust duct output aperture 552. In some embodiments, drivetrainexhaust duct 510 is coupled to the vehicles frame via frame mountingbracket 554.

FIG. 6 illustrates another view of a powertrain exhaust duct that iscoupled to the powertrain of a vehicle and employed to cool a deviceincluded with the vehicle in a cooling method that is consistent withthe various embodiments disclosed herein. The embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6 includes similar features to the embodiments illustrated in FIG.4 and FIG. 5.

Power source exhaust may flow through power source exhaust duct 610.Power source exhaust gas may enter power source exhaust duct 610 andexit out through power source exhaust duct output aperture 614.

Device 600 is thermally coupled to power source exhaust gas and/or powersource exhaust duct 610. Device 600 may include a sensing elementportion (not shown). Device 600 includes a hex portion 604, a grommetportion 602, and cabling 608.

Device 600 is cooled through advection by drivetrain exhaust airprovided to device 600 via a drivetrain exhaust duct 650. Drivetrainexhaust duct 650 is coupled to the vehicle's drivetrain throughdrivetrain exhaust manifold 644. The source of the drivetrain exhaustmay be a transmission, such as a CVT 620. The transmission exhaust gasis delivered to a volume that is proximate to device 600 throughdrivetrain exhaust duct output aperture 652. In some embodiments,drivetrain exhaust duct 610 is coupled to the vehicles frame via framemounting bracket 654.

FIG. 7 illustrates temperature time series data for the grommet portionof an oxygen sensor, such as the oxygen sensor 100 of FIG. 1C, that isthermally coupled to an exhaust system of a vehicle, such as vehicle 10of FIG. 1A or alternative vehicle of FIG. 1B. The oxygen sensor wascooled with a method consistent with the various embodiments disclosedherein. Temperature data was acquired for 17 continuous minutes. Thex-axis of the plot represents time in minutes and the y-axis of the plotrepresents temperature in degrees centigrade.

During the test sequence, the vehicle was toggled between an idle state,a ground-speed state, and an off state. During an idle state, thevehicle's engine was idling and the vehicle was not moving. During theidle state, engine exhaust is generated (but at an idle or low enginespeed). The exhaust gas heats the oxygen sensor. Because the vehicle isnot moving, the transmission is not transmitting power to the wheels.Accordingly, there is very little, if any, transmission exhaustproviding ventilation to the oxygen sensor during the idle state.

During the ground-speed state, both the engine speed and the groundspeed are increased. Accordingly, the oxygen sensor is simultaneouslyheated by the engine exhaust and, during some of the tests, cooled bythe transmission exhaust during the ground-speed state. During the offstate, the engine is turned off. Accordingly, the oxygen sensor is notbeing heated by engine exhaust and is not being ventilated by thetransmission exhaust. During the off state, the oxygen sensor is beingcooled by the ambient air and heat diffusion. The test sequence duringdata acquisition was as follows, where t is the x-axis value: idle statefor 0≤t<1 min, ground-speed state for 1≤t<6 min, idle state for 6≤t<7min, ground-speed state for 7≤t<12 min, off state for 12≤t<17 min.

Curve 770 illustrates the grommet portion temperature, as a function oftime during the above test sequence, for an “original pipe”configuration. Herein, the “original pipe” refers to a configurationwhere the oxygen sensor was housed within heat shields to protect thevarious components from engine exhaust heat, rather than being cooledwith transmission exhaust during the ground-speed states of the test.The oxygen sensor was located mid-way through the exhaust stream andhoused within the set of heat shields. The heat shields decreasedambient airflow to the oxygen sensor. The temperature of the grommetportion of the oxygen sensor, at t=0 mins for curve 770, as well as theother curves presented in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, is greater than the ambientair temperature because the oxygen sensor was already warm due toprevious testing.

Curve 780 illustrates the grommet portion temperature, as a function oftime during the above test sequence, for a “new pipe” configuration.Herein, the “new pipe” configuration refers to a configuration where theoxygen sensor was moved downstream along the exhaust system, but notcooled with transmission exhaust during the ground-speed states of thetest.

Curve 790 illustrates the grommet portion temperature, as a function oftime during the above test sequence, for a “new pipe and transmissionexhaust duct” configuration. Herein, the “new pipe and transmissionexhaust duct” configuration refers to placing the oxygen sensordownstream as discussed above and cooling the oxygen sensor withtransmission exhaust during the ground-speed states of the test

As shown by curves 770, 780, and 790, cooling the oxygen sensor withtransmission exhaust results in significant decreases in temperature ofthe grommet portion of the oxygen sensor. At t=0 mins, the temperatureof curve 790 is significantly greater than that of curve 780 (due todifferent previous testing conditions). However, within approximately 1minute of being cooled with exhaust gas (at t˜2 mins), curve 790 iscooled to a temperature less than the curve 780 (not being cooled bytransmission exhaust).

FIG. 8 illustrates temperature time series data for the hex portion ofan oxygen sensor, such as the oxygen sensor 100 of FIG. 1C, that isthermally coupled to an exhaust system of a vehicle, such as vehicle 10of FIG. 1A or alternative vehicle 30 of FIG. 1B. The oxygen sensor wascooled with a method consistent with the various embodiments disclosedherein. Temperature data was acquired for 17 continuous minutes duringthe test sequence described above. The x-axis of the plot representstime in minutes and the y-axis of the plot represents temperature indegrees centigrade.

Curve 870 illustrates the hex portion temperature, as a function of timeduring the above test sequence, for the “original pipe” configuration.Curve 880 illustrates the hex portion temperature, as a function of timeduring the above test sequence, for the “new pipe” configuration. Curve890 illustrates the hex portion temperature, as a function of timeduring the above test sequence, for the “new pipe and transmissionexhaust duct” configuration.

FIG. 9 illustrates temperature time series data for the sensing elementportion of an oxygen sensor, such as the oxygen sensor 100 of FIG. 1C,that is thermally coupled to an exhaust system of a vehicle, such asvehicle 10 of FIG. 1A or alternative vehicle 30 of FIG. 1B. The oxygensensor was cooled with a method consistent with the various embodimentsdisclosed herein. Temperature data was acquired for 17 continuousminutes during the test sequence described above. The x-axis of the plotrepresents time in minutes and the y-axis of the plot representstemperature in degrees centigrade.

Curve 970 illustrates the sensing element portion temperature, as afunction of time during the above test sequence, for the “original pipe”configuration. Curve 980 illustrates the sensing element portiontemperature, as a function of time during the above test sequence, forthe “new pipe” configuration. Curve 990 illustrates the sensing elementportion temperature, as a function of time during the above testsequence, for the “new pipe and transmission exhaust duct”configuration. As shown in FIG. 2, the sensing element of the oxygensensor is embedded within the engine's exhaust duct 210. Thus, thetransmission exhaust is not directly incident on the sensing portion.Accordingly, the cooling due to transmission exhaust is less significantfor the sensing portion, as compared to other portions of the oxygensensor that are directly exposed to transmission exhaust.

All of the embodiments and methods disclosed and claimed herein can bemade and executed without undue experimentation in light of the presentdisclosure. While the preferred embodiment of the invention has beenillustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosureof the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determinedentirely by reference to the claims that follow.

1-31. (canceled)
 32. A system for cooling a device in an off-roadvehicle, the system comprising: a power source having an exhaust portand an exhaust duct in fluid communication with the exhaust port; adevice coupled to the exhaust duct; a transmission coupled to the powersource, the transmission being housed in a continuously variabletransmission (CVT) transmission case having an inlet aperture and anoutlet aperture, the transmission being configured to draw air into theinlet aperture and output air from the outlet aperture; and a drivetrainduct that includes a first aperture and a second aperture, the firstaperture being coupled to the CVT transmission case outlet aperture andthe second aperture being positioned and oriented to direct airflow atthe device.
 33. The system of claim 32, wherein the device is exposed toexhaust from the power source through an aperture in the exhaust duct.34. The system of claim 32, wherein the device protrudes into theexhaust duct.
 35. The system of claim 32, further comprising an airintake that supplies air to the inlet aperture of the CVT transmissioncase.
 36. The system of claim 32, wherein the CVT transmission case hasa first portion and a second portion that is separably coupled to thefirst portion, and the inlet aperture and the outlet aperture aredisposed in the first portion.
 37. The system of claim 32, wherein theCVT transmission case has a first portion and a second portion that isseparably coupled to the first portion, a distance between the firstportion and the power source is less than a distance between the secondportion and the power source, and the outlet aperture is disposed in thefirst portion.
 38. The system of claim 32, wherein the CVT transmissioncase has a first portion and a second portion that is separably coupledto the first portion, a distance between the first portion and the powersource is greater than a distance between the second portion and thepower source, and the outlet aperture is disposed in the first portion.39. The system of claim 32, wherein the second aperture directs airflowtoward a rear of the vehicle.
 40. The system of claim 32, wherein thedrivetrain duct is coupled to another component of the vehicle to secureor stabilize the drivetrain duct.
 41. The system of claim 32, whereinthe device is thermally coupled to a heat source in the vehicle, and,when the drivetrain is engaged, the heat source is at a firsttemperature while the drivetrain outputs drivetrain exhaust gas throughthe drivetrain duct with the drivetrain exhaust gas being at a secondtemperature that is less than the first temperature.
 42. A system forcooling a device in an off-road vehicle having a continuously variabletransmission (CVT), the system comprising: a drivetrain duct thatincludes a first aperture and a second aperture, wherein the firstaperture couples to a drivetrain aperture included in a drivetrain of avehicle, the vehicle has a power source and a device, the power sourcehas an exhaust port and an exhaust duct in fluid communication with theexhaust port, the device is coupled to the exhaust duct, and the secondaperture of the drivetrain duct directs air at the device.
 43. Thesystem of claim 42, wherein the device is exposed to exhaust from thepower source through an aperture in the exhaust duct.
 44. The system ofclaim 42, wherein the device protrudes into the exhaust duct.
 45. Thesystem of claim 42, wherein an air intake supplies air to an inletaperture of the drivetrain, the inlet aperture being in fluidcommunication with the drivetrain aperture.
 46. The system of claim 42,wherein the drivetrain has a CVT transmission case, the CVT transmissioncase has a first portion and a second portion that is separably coupledto the first portion, and the drivetrain aperture and an inlet aperturein fluid communication with the drivetrain aperture are disposed in thefirst portion.
 47. The system of claim 42, wherein the drivetrain has aCVT transmission case, the CVT transmission case has a first portion anda second portion that is separably coupled to the first portion, adistance between the first portion and the power source is less than adistance between the second portion and the power source, and thedrivetrain aperture is disposed in the first portion.
 48. The system ofclaim 42, wherein the drivetrain has a CVT transmission case, the CVTtransmission case has a first portion and a second portion that isseparably coupled to the first portion, a distance between the firstportion and the power source is greater than a distance between thesecond portion and the power source, and the drivetrain aperture isdisposed in the first portion.
 49. The system of claim 42, wherein thesecond aperture directs airflow toward a rear of the vehicle.
 50. Thesystem of claim 42, wherein the drivetrain duct is coupled to anothercomponent of the vehicle to secure or stabilize the drivetrain duct.